The Department of Applied Computing at the University of Dundee has been awarded top marks by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in its academic review and has been judged worthy of a rare and coveted extra award: "exemplary" recognition for its support of students with special needs. The QAA team visited the department several times during the year to scrutinise teaching and learning, interview students and staff, and inspect the department's resources and equipment. The reviewers' verdict was top-grade all round:
Professor John Arnott, Head of the Applied Computing Quality Management team, said: "Our graduates and their employers have known for a long time that we provide a top quality experience and a top quality degree. Our research reputation is already well-known - I am delighted that our excellent teaching and learning has now been recognized at a national level."
The "exemplary" award given to the department for the level of personal support and resources made available to students with special needs represents best practice within the sector. The department's research, awarded a top grade 5 in the 1996 National Research Assessment Exercise, was praised for the way it improved learning opportunities for students.
The Department of Applied Computing broke with tradition and pioneered a new type of computing course over five years ago focussing on user-centred design and software engineering, rather than mathematical computing. The QAA reviewers cited this distinctive vision, saying that there is a "positive environment in which students can learn to appreciate that computer applications are developed to serve human ends that must be understood and valued." They note that: "The applied nature of the curriculum is a significant motivating factor for the students." The courses include a large amount of team and project work which "permits students to engage in real-life activity".
Professor Arnott said: "At the heart of our innovative degree is the realisation that our graduates should be able to produce imaginative software and systems to satisfy the needs of people. Our industrial advisors are delighted: they recognise that our graduates have a range of high quality skills and knowledge making them up-to-date and 'job-ready'. This QAA review formally confirms the top quality of our academic standards at the University of Dundee"./ENDS
Contact Professor John Arnott 01382 344148
Photo caption - Professor John Arnott (left), Head of Quality Management congratulating Professor Alan Newell, Head of Applied Computing Department.